Conman posing as government official tries to scam Bexhill resident

A conman posing as a government official from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) attempted to scam a resident.

The fraudster called the Bexhill resident on Monday (June 9) claiming to be from the government department.

He said he was calling in relation to a PPI (payment protection insurance) adding that the resident was owed £2040.

He told the victim they must go to a local shop, purchase a £250 cash conversion money voucher and await collection of the voucher from the MoJ.

The resident realised it was a scam and contacted police.

Inspector James Scott, said: "We want to encourage everyone to continue to resist telephone calls like these and to please pass on this information to any friends and relatives who may not be aware of this particular type of targeted fraud, which looks to exploit elderly and vulnerable people.

“If you ever doubt the credentials or intentions of anybody calling you, or you receive a suspicious telephone call asking for bank details or instructing you to withdraw money or purchase a money voucher, we urge you to contact police immediately.

“No genuine organisation will ever ask to collect money or bank cards from your home or ask you to confirm a PIN.”